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Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
DU's Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign 2025: Miranda House college crowned cleanest, greenest
Miranda House is in full bloom — quite literally and figuratively — after being crowned the cleanest and greenest campus of Delhi University in the Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign 2025. The win has sparked joy across corridors, lawns and classrooms, with students hailing it as a recognition of the daily care they put into keeping their beloved college fresh, green and welcoming. Sprawling lawns and blooming greens have won Miranda House the top slot at Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign 2025 in Delhi University. (Photo: Raj K Raj/HT (For representational purpose only) 'This is a beautiful moment for all of us Mirandians,' says Mehuli Goswami, a final-year English (Hons) student, adding, 'Our college rightfully deserves the prize since a lot of care and effort goes into maintaining the campus. Any student can vouch for the clean, green and peaceful vibe Miranda offers. It's certainly a safe haven from the rest of the city.' For principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda, the award is a reflection of collective spirit. 'We are proud, but we have to strive every day for this. There is no resting on laurels. Miranda House follows sustainable norms rigorously, whether it is through regular audits by the student union, swift resolution of issues by our administrative staff and NSS, or initiatives led by MH Vatavaran, our environment society. From recycling and composting to our garden committee's upkeep, everyone is equally invested. A special mention must go to our essential workers and gardeners who shoulder a huge part of this responsibility,' she notes. For Vatavaran, the environment society, the honour is particularly heartwarming. 'This award feels like a real pat on the back. As one of the country's most prestigious colleges, it matters that our campus is also sustainable and aesthetically beautiful. We've been working on paper recycling, composting biodegradable waste, rainwater harvesting, and maintaining a herbal garden. To see those small efforts bloom into something this big is incredible. This is exactly what keeps us going,' says Tripti Jain, a final-year Sociology student and society member. For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Limbo over envoy hits Indo-US progress
Washington has not yet narrowed down on a pick for the vacant post of US Ambassador to India, people familiar with the matter said, adding that naming an Ambassador to India remains a low priority at this time for the Trump administration. US Embassy in New Delhi(HT FILE PHOTO/Raj K Raj) Former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap (who also had a stint as Chargé d'affaires of the US mission in India) and Indian-American venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani were two people initially thought to be in the running for the post of US Ambassador to New Delhi. However, the Trump Administration has not yet made any moves on the matter, the people added, asking not to be named. Even Trump's political allies in the House of Representatives and the Senate remain unaware of the Administration's pick. India and Australia are key US partners that are yet to see the appointment of a new Ambassador. During Trump's first term between 2017 and 2021, scores of key diplomatic positions were left unfilled. By mid-2018, well over a year into the Trump administration's term, 38 key Ambassadorial positions around the world were vacant. Kenneth Juster -- who served as US Ambassador to India for most of Trump's first term -- took office in November 2017, almost a year after Trump was sworn in as President. A similar situation faces the current Trump administration. S Paul Kapur, an academic who has been nominated to be the State Department's top official for South and Central Asia, has not yet been confirmed by the United States Senate. The National Security Council, which is based out of the White House and works closely with the President to shape US foreign policy , has also seen a major reduction in force under Trump. However, Trump's top adviser on India , Ricky Gill, remains in the NSC as Director for South and Central Asia. 'There seems to be a lack of India expertise in the Trump administration at present, which may be contributing to the tensions we're seeing between New Delhi and Washington,' said one former US official, on the condition of anonymity. The lack of an Ambassador in New Delhi who can act as a key interlocutor between the two nations has been keenly felt, the official added. Tensions between the two countries increased in May after US President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between New Delhi and Islamabad after a four-day military clash. India has forcefully denied Trump's version of events. Since then, the Trump administration's growing closeness to Pakistan has concerned India. Matters escalated over the last month as Trump placed a steep 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian energy. Trump also lambasted India as a 'dead economy' even as India has pointed out that even the United States maintains a robust trade relationship with Russia. ''On top of the Kashmir mediation and tariff issues, leaving the Ambassadorship in New Delhi empty for seven months sends exactly the wrong signal to one of America's most important partners. Since the Bush Administration and across party lines, India has been an increasingly central pillar for U.S. strategy in Asia, from countering China's influence to securing supply chains and deepening defense cooperation,' said Nicholas Shafer, a scholar studying US-India relations. 'While Ambassador (Eric) Garcetti took a while to get through confirmation, the rest of Biden's national security team maintained consistent and direct engagements with New Delhi that deepened trust and brought the closest it's ever been to Washington. Now, with uncertainty at the top of US foreign policymaking and without a confirmed ambassador even for nomination, Washington is handicapping itself in ways that just deepens the already profound skepticism in Delhi about American commitments and alignment with Indian interests,' Shafer added.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Har Ghar Tiranga 2025: India's renewed aspirations
As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the spirit of patriotism is rekindled nationwide through the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign—now an annual event synonymous with unity, pride, and India's progressive revival. In an era where internal challenges persist and the world grapples with conflict and change, India's achievements in recent years and its continued commitment to this initiative stand out as both visionary and deeply relevant. Independence Day (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) First launched in 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Har Ghar Tiranga has matured into a powerful people's movement. This year's campaign unfolds over three distinct phases—from August 2 through August 15—allowing for broader participation and a more enduring celebration. The initiative now features expanded volunteer programmes, engagement with youth, and a modern approach to flag distribution through self-help groups, post offices, and e-commerce portals, all designed to ensure every household has the opportunity to hoist the tiranga. The ministry of culture's new volunteer programme encourages citizens not just to hoist the flag but to become ambassadors of unity, helping others understand the correct etiquette, sharing inspiring stories, and uploading their tiranga selfies for digital recognition and certificates. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, marking his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, continues to champion themes that invoke pride in national achievements and unity. Modi has emphasised, 'The tiranga symbolises the spirit of freedom and national unity. Every Indian has an emotional connection with the tricolour, and it inspires us to work harder to further national progress'. Under his leadership, India's national symbols—especially the flag—have acquired unprecedented stature domestically and globally. This year, PM Modi proactively invited citizens to contribute their ideas and aspirations for his Independence Day speech using online platforms like MyGov and the NaMo app, signaling his inclusive governance and commitment to engaging with everyday Indians. The speech is expected to focus on Viksit Bharat @2047, self-reliance, and the collective strength of the nation. The tricolour, or tiranga, continues to embody courage, peace, faith, and cultural legacy—values dear to India's civilisation. Each colour and the Ashoka Chakra retain profound symbolism, echoing ancient narratives from the Mahabharata to the rituals at Jagannath Temple. The campaign resonates with historic significance while building new bridges to the present and future. A notable impact of Har Ghar Tiranga has been the economic boost to khadi and village industries. The consistent advocacy for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local has translated into record growth for the sector. Between 2013–14 and 2024–25, sales in khadi soared 447%, reaching ₹1.70 lakh crore (approx. $20 billion), with khadi cloth alone experiencing a 561% increase. The sector now employs 1.94 crore people, up from 1.30 crore, with thousands of small artisans and SHGs—many led by women—directly benefitting. Flag production for the campaign is largely handled by these local groups, further driving empowerment and economic self-reliance. The sight of the tiranga proudly displayed across homes is a powerful message to India's armed forces that every citizen stands behind them. In challenging times, the campaign asserts India's integrity, outshining narratives that seek to undermine the country. The tricolour is a touchstone for national solidarity—reassuring soldiers and citizens alike that India's unity cannot be eroded by divisiveness. Har Ghar Tiranga is not simply a top-down government initiative but a community-driven celebration. Amendments to the flag code and the proliferation of flag distribution have made it possible for every Indian to build a personal relationship with the tricolour, strengthening the bond between the past and present, and inspiring the youth to embrace the legacy of freedom fighters. Volunteering, creative contests, and selfie submissions transform participation into a memorable, nation-building experience. Since 2014, the tiranga has gained renewed respect worldwide, paralleling India's rise. The push for self-reliance, global recognition, and inclusive engagement through initiatives like Har Ghar Tiranga reflect a transformative approach to governance and cultural revival. The campaign is more than symbolism—it's a reflection of the success and aspirations of India, with an eye toward ever-greater achievements in the years ahead. As the tricolour graces homes across India once again in 2025, it stands for the shared spirit, resilience, and dreams of a united nation—the very ideals for which countless Indians sacrificed. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is a clarion call: To honour the past, reaffirm unity, and advance together toward a brighter, more prosperous future. This Independence Day, participate, celebrate, and let the tiranga fly high as a testament to India's unity, pride, and for progress. This article is authored by Tuhin A Sinha, national spokesperson, BJP.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Independence Day 2025: How to add the Indian flag to your WhatsApp, Instagram, profile pictures- Har Ghar Tiranga
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, the government's Har Ghar Tiranga 2025 campaign is inspiring citizens to proudly display the national flag at their homes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again called upon every household to participate, reinforcing the importance of national pride. Beyond physical displays, many Indians also express their patriotism online by adding the tricolour to their social media profile pictures on platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). This guide explains how to update your profile photo quickly and easily. Independence Day 2025: Show your patriotism online with the Indian tricolour on your profile picture this Independence Day. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) Adding the Indian Flag to Your Facebook Profile Picture Facebook provides a simple method to overlay the Indian flag using its Frames feature on the mobile app. Begin by opening the Facebook app and tapping your profile icon. Select a new profile picture and choose the Add Frames option. Navigate to the Flags category and select the Indian flag. The tricolour will now appear over your profile image. Tap Next to confirm and set it as your profile picture. To use this image on other platforms, save it to your device. View your profile photo, tap the three dots, and select Save to phone. The image can now be uploaded to Instagram, WhatsApp, or X without further modification. Adjusting Your Profile Picture for Different Platforms Each social media platform has its recommended image dimensions. For the best results, resize your image before uploading. Facebook profile photos are best at 170 x 170 pixels, X (Twitter) uses 400 x 400 pixels, Instagram recommends 180 x 180 pixels, and WhatsApp works well with 500 x 500 pixels. Correct sizing ensures the flag is displayed clearly without cropping. Updating Your Profile Picture on Various Platforms On Instagram, go to Profile, tap Edit Profile, select Change Profile Photo, choose New Profile Photo, select the image, and confirm. For WhatsApp, open Settings, tap your profile picture, select the Camera icon, choose the saved image, and tap Done. On X, navigate to Profile, click Edit profile, upload your image, and save. Alternate Methods Without Facebook If you do not use Facebook or prefer a different approach, several apps and online tools can overlay the Indian flag onto your profile photo. Apps such as Snapseed or dedicated tools like Flag Stickers for Picture and Flag Face allow you to add the tricolour with custom positioning. Websites like and provide similar functionality for those who prefer a browser-based solution. These tools offer flexibility in style and placement, letting you create a personalised patriotic profile image for Independence Day. By following these steps, you can showcase your support for Har Ghar Tiranga 2025 and express your patriotism across all major social media platforms. Mobile Finder: Google Pixel 10 Pro LATEST specs, features, and price
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Independence Day 2025 belongs to Operation Sindoor glory: 10 points
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to deliver his 12th consecutive speech from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort. The Prime Minister will also hoist the national flag on Friday, August 15. The focus of this year's Independence Day celebration will be the success of Operation Sindoor, India's military response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) The focus of this year's Independence Day celebration will be the success of Operation Sindoor, India's military response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Follow Independence Day LIVE updates The view cutter at Gyanpath will have the Operation Sindoor logo, and the floral decoration will also be based on it. As soon as the national flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals will be showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force - one trooping the national flag and the other trooping a flag depicting 'Operation Sindoor'. Independence Day 2025 celebration | 10 updates The theme of this year's celebrations is Naya Bharat as the nation is making giant strides towards realising the Government's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag and deliver his 12th consecutive address to the nation from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated during this year's Independence Day celebrations with a logo on Gyanpath and decoration based on the same theme. After the flag is hoisted, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force will shower the venue with flower petals —one trooping the national flag and the other trooping a flag depicting 'Operation Sindoor'. Approximately 5,000 special guests, from different walks of life, have been invited to witness the celebrations at the Red Fort this year. Snipers at high-rise buildings, heightened camera surveillance across the city, more than 11,000 security personnel and 3,000 traffic police personnel will be deployed for security in and around the Red Fort. The national capital is likely to witness a cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain on the 79th Independence Day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast. Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory for August 15, announcing extensive traffic restrictions and diversions across the city. The measures will be enforced from 4 am to 10 am.
